EAST Lancashire firefighters who have been on mercy missions in Paraguay said they wished they could do more to help a salvage operation.

More than 300 people were killed in a gas explosion in a busy shopping centre, in the capital Asuncion two weeks ago.

Now charity firefighter Colin Cunliffe and a team of four officers who visited as part of national charity campaign Operation Florian said they hoped to return as soon as possible.

Their last mission was in May when they ate at one of the cafes that has since been destroyed in the blast.

One of their firefighting colleagues from the capital, Pedro Logan, has also contacted the team with news of their desperate rescue mission.

Visiting firefighters, including Ged Richmond from Burnley, Colin Byers serving in Accrington and Ian Hainsworth from Leyland, have been offering expertise and equipment to the emergency services teaching them how to handle emergency situations.

Mr Cunliffe, who lives in Ribchester, and served in Lancashire Fire and Rescue service for 31 years, in Accrington, Chorley, Blackburn and Preston before retiring, said: "It was awful to see on television the extent of the devastation.

"The shopping centre is very busy on Saturdays and we were there ourselves just weeks before.

"The firefighters there are more like volunteers and were totally overwhelmed. We wish we could do more."

Two fire engines used in the rescue mission were sponsored by the Oswaldtwistle Rotary.

Pedro Logan, one of the firefighters who has worked with the Lancashire team, said: "The city of Asuncion is stunned. All those in the supermarket were more or less burned alive.

"The firemen did what they could pulling out corpses time after time.

"It was extremely dangerous to go in because part of the roof in the main floor had caved in.

"One of my friend's complete family was wiped out.

"It is obvious that something like this is pretty unique anywhere in the world, and really in the circumstances our boys did their best in a really harrowing experience.

"We will be analysing what happened with the Lancashire forces when they next come out."